How to Prepare Chicken Tandoori at Home
Chicken tandoori is a popular dish in Indian cuisine, known for its tender, juicy chicken marinated in a flavorful yogurt-based spice mixture. The best part about this dish is that you can easily prepare it at home with a few simple ingredients and some patience. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to prepare chicken tandoori at home, ensuring that you enjoy a delicious and authentic meal.
Ingredients
Before you start, gather the following ingredients:
– 1 kg chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
– 2 cups plain yogurt
– 2 tablespoons tandoori masala (available at Indian grocery stores)
– 1 tablespoon red chili powder
– 1 tablespoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon ground coriander
– 1 tablespoon ground turmeric
– 1 tablespoon garam masala
– 1 tablespoon kasuri methi (dried fenugreek leaves)
– 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
– 1 tablespoon salt
– 2 tablespoons oil (for marinating)
– Fresh coriander leaves (for garnishing)
– Lemon slices (for garnishing)
Preparation
1. Begin by washing the chicken pieces thoroughly and patting them dry with a paper towel.
2. In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, tandoori masala, red chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, garam masala, kasuri methi, ginger-garlic paste, salt, and oil.
3. Mix the ingredients well to form a smooth paste.
4. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and ensure they are well-coated with the marinade.
5. Cover the bowl with a plastic wrap or a lid and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the best results.
6. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or preheat your tandoor if you have one.
7. Once the chicken is well-marinated, thread the chicken pieces onto skewers or place them in a baking dish.
8. Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is well-cooked and the skin is golden brown.
9. Alternatively, if you have a tandoor, place the chicken skewers or baking dish inside the tandoor and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Serving
1. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven or tandoor and let it rest for a few minutes.
2. Garnish the chicken with fresh coriander leaves and lemon slices.
3. Serve the chicken tandoori with fragrant basmati rice, naan, or roti, and enjoy your homemade Indian feast!
By following these simple steps, you can now prepare chicken tandoori at home and impress your family and friends with this delicious and aromatic dish. Happy cooking!
